The TEMPORARY Home of Cinnamon Rainbows is at 62 Lafayette Rd in North Hampton, NH Tel. (603) 929-7467

BACK TO BACK NOR'EASTERS.
TOTAL ECLYISPE OF THE SUN.
CLOSING IN ON 20 YEARS.



THE LATEST WINTER STORM TO HIT IN THE SPRING
April 4th, 5th, and 6th, 2024.

We are all familiar with SURFLINE’S REWIND video clips. But somebody hit the REWIND button on Winter. These last two back to back Nor’easters produced more snow and winter like conditions then all of last winter. Are you kidding me? The winds and snow on April 4th were one for the ages. And the surf that first day (4-4-24) was stupid.

Big, out of control, with winds that could literally stifle a person.

There was nowhere in the entire Granite State that one could find a wave that wasn’t decimated by the winds and sleet. BB’s like sleet, ice rain, and snow in your face is not fun. I don’t care how young you are. That shit stings. There were places down south in Mass that had some protection, but even the hardiest of the crew passed on all options. Matt Colby and Kody Grondin both went looking and got skunked. Personally, I know of several nooks and crannies that they could have checked had they called me. But they elected to look on their own. I’ll bet anything that my old “Go to” spots would have provided them something to ride. But alas, my dear friends, that’s for another day.

This photo? This is one that I have been trying to get for years.

I love the look of awe in their faces. That's Matt Colby, Kevin Grondin, and Kody Grondin. They are clearly witnessing either a nasty wipeout or a nice barrel. Either way, I captured that moment that most surfers can relate to.
The night of April 4th, 2024 was insane. 50 to 60 mph winds rocked our house all night long. I mean it was freaking howling for it's darling.

Our bedroom is on the second floor of our home and we have a 30’ flagpole next to our window. And that flag was whipping so loud all night long that I fully expected it to be gone in the morning. Like Francis Scott Key once wrote “Gave proof through the night-that our flag was still there.” It was freaking crazy. It’s funny I had Jimi Hendrix’s song “COME ON” stuck in my head all night. “You got me flippin like a flag on a pole…come on baby let the good times roll.” My biggest regret on April 4th? Is that I didn’t shoot video of our flag pole. It was absolutely rocking. 

And sure enough, the next day broke, and the winds had subsided and switched from howling Northeast to grooming perfection out of the Northwest. It was on! We checked the obvious local point breaks first, and while there was still some size, the tides were wrong, so we all knew what that meant. The beach breaks would be way bigger and way hollower.



And they were. That's Kody Grondin facing down a big beach break bomb.

The boys hit it hard. James and Brian Morse, Kody Grondin, Matt Colby, Jon Kiskinis, Pev, and Mike Stanek. They all got their share and they all paid their dues. No doubt some of them were picking sand out of their buttholes all night long. Those SAND SUCKING BARRELS can be unforgiving. I shot both stills and video. And there were some cringe worthy clips. Why is it that we all get giddy when someone gets worked? What’s wrong with us? Any way, we milked that beach break until the tide got too low and then we went back to the reefs and points.

By that time, the size was dropping, while the crowds were increasing. Same as it ever was. Hell, we even saw some sun.

I’d give the April 5th, 2024 SPRING NOR’EASTER a solid A. Not an A+ or an A-. But a solid A. 

So what’s next? Surf on the Total Eclipse? Maybe another East Coast Earthquake with a legit Tsunami? That would be cool. Whatever is on the horizon, we’re ready for it.  Just don’t call it Spring.

Ed O'Connell was one of the most loved surf photographers in New England. A US ARMY Vietnam Veteran who saved the lives of so many ARMY Grunts in Nam in 68-69 as a Medic on board those Dust Off Hueys. He was a close and dear friend of mine.

When he passed on July 1st, 2014 I swore I'd keep his memory and legacy alive by giving him this weekly corner. He loved surfing and he loved taking photos of all the surfers. Not just those who could really stand out. He shot every one. As long as I shall live and breathe the salt air, there will be a corner dedicated to Ed.

ED'S CORNER April 7th, 2024



This is Jon Kiskinis from January 31st, 2013. I just shot Jon on Friday April 5th, 2024. I wish Ed was around to see how good these guys have become. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

COMING THIS SPRING of 2024 (May/June).
My book that I have been writing the last 100 years or so.

It's looking more and more like the book will be out after I hit my 20th Year Anniversary of this Blog. And that will be double the reason to celebrate. BOOK and BLOG.

And YES, there will be a book signing. And I will let you all know in advance, where and when. The book will be available in both hard cover and soft cover on AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, INGRAM, GOOGLE BOOKS, and KOBO PUBLISHING.



Most of my close friends have heard some of these stories first hand. But trust me, with over 100 stories, there's a handful that none of you have ever heard. It's true. Be patient my friends.
It's all coming in the winter of 2024.

NEW SECRET SPOT UPDATE ON THEIR GO FUND ME PAGE FOR THEIR REBUILD FOR THE SUMMER OF 2024!



CLICK ON THE GRAPHIC ABOVE TO HELP SECRET SPOT.
I know it's hard to donate to so many of these GO FUND ME pages, but if you have ever eaten at SECRET SPOT especially after surfing? You know how much we need to have it back again. This is a surf owned operation. Surfers need surf food.

Every donation helps. No matter how bog or how small.

OK. I ADMIT I AM NOT A KNOWLEDGEABLE PERSON ON THE RULES OF BASKETBALL. I KNOW VERY LITTLE. HOWEVER, THIS? THIS IS A FOUL ALL DAY LONG.
So, the women's FINAL FOUR basketball controversy happened on this play. I say it was a foul. Even though I'm not a fan or an expert. This appears to be a foul. A blatant foul. Therefore the whistle was justified.



And Iowa went on to win the game. Now IOWA plays South Carolina today at 3:00PM. SC is undefeated at 37-0 and Iowa is 34-4. But Iowa has the most famous female basketball player of all time, Caitlin Clark. Even though I'm not a huge fan, I will watch this game. You should too.



My dear friend since 1978 David Robinson celebrated his 75th Birthday last week on April 2nd. We (Me, Cory, and Anne Marie) drove down to take David and Nancy out to dinner and then back to their home for cake and gift giving. David is playing at The CUT on may 16th, 2024 with Lenny Kaye. And we will be there.



We are BIG fans of Larry David. Tonight is the End of an Era.
CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM was a favorite show in our home
and prior to that we loved SEINFELD. Thank you Larry for the laughs.

LAST WEEK TO BUY A CALENDAR



Click on the image above to see the larger version.
This calendar might become a collectors item.

Twenty years of Ralph's Pic from 2004 to 2024. It was cool going through the years and picking out pics from the last 20 years. Not only are there pics of mine, but also from some of the other photographers who have submitted pics to this weekly Blog. The late Ed O'Connell, Brian Nevins, Martha Lardent, Dina Crawford, Erica Nardone and many more.

*Send me an email or a Private Message to reserve a copy of this
20 year Calendar.

*NOTE: THE BLOG WILL BE POSTED ON APRIL 15th, 2024 Next Week to COMMEMORATE THE 20th ANNIVERSARY.

“SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

THE TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE SUN 4-8-24



They say if you miss this one? The next one is in 2079. I better get out there for this one, because I will be long gone by the next one. Along with most of my friends.



Here's the projected path. Obviously the further north you go, the better your chances of seeing the TOTAL Eclipse. My initial thoughts was to drive north to see it. I mean I go up north every October in my pursuit of the Ruffed Grouse. So it would be no big deal for me to drive up. But the negative factors of the huge traffic jams to watch something that only lasts 3-4 minutes? Yeah, Homie don't play that game. I'll take my chances locally. Cory bought us all glasses. So we're good and safe.



There is some truth to this meme above. Democracy is at stake.




And speaking of Eclipses. Who could forget the time that the ORANGEMAN stared into the sun without glasses? He did this because that's what Bloated Morons do. And Khaliddy was there to capture the moment. The GITMO GAZETTE sent KSM to cover this idiotic stunt. Notice his soon to be ex-wife is fully protected. Not the idiot President. Nope. He once again proved how stupid he really is. The Sheik covered the story for GITMO. And I brought it here for you. What a dope.

And so my friends, please take advantage of this weekly photo shop of the mastermind who planned 9-11 and resulted in the deaths of 3,000 innocent civilians by KSM (Khalid Sheik Mohammed). *Note to self -must pick up a case of ECLIPSE Glasses at Home Depot this week.

PLEASE KEEP Karen Evans in your thoughts and prayers. Karen is currently battling FTD (Frontotemporal Dementia) a result of damage to neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. She's doing remarkably well in dealing with this condition. The Evans have been local icons here for as long as I can remember. All the Surf Families are in full support of Rick, Karen, Matt, Megan and Nick and baby Luka, and of course Mikel. Sending your positive thoughts and prayers are welcome.

REST IN PEACE Greg Tawa musician/guitarist friend.
HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY Malia Rizzo April 8th, 2024!
HEAL QUICKLY SURFER/MUSICIAN PETE KOWALSKI And his loving donor wife Andrea. Both are recovering at MGH.
HEAL QUICKLY Johnny Fatello Recovering from Back Surgery.
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
Please keep LOCAL SURF LEGENDS Norm Murphy and John Gooch in your thoughts and prayers.

SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS!
Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 19 years.
** BUY a HIGH RES Photo from any of the weeks on RPOTW.
Remember my friends... Surfing Heals All Wounds.
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surfing Is Supposed to be Fun.

Ralph

YOURS TRULY FROM THE MARCH NOR'EASTER IN 1977.
I know I have run this pic before, but I thought it would be appropriate seeing how this was shot during a classic March Nor'easter. And seeing how we just had two Back to Back Nor'easters it would be fun to look back 46 years ago. Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see a larger image

I kept a daily Blog on my CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY surf campaign, when I surfed every single day for 365 consecutive days. Click on the Banner above to read entries of my daily journey. There's some really interesting and true experiences
that happened during that year. Some of which are to this day, unexplainable. Some are just mind blowing. But all true.

I started on July 26th, 2010 and ended on July 26th, 2011.

Some rainy Sunday, pour yourself a cup and go through the journal. Pay close attention to the month of May in 2011. Read that month and let me know what you think of that. Be forewarned it will change you forever.

All photos taken this week unless otherwise noted.

Today- THE FIRST APRIL SWELL 4-4-24 Photos by RALPH



(Above) This first day was out of control. But clearly worth documenting.
Thursday April 4th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on the ad above to see the Menu and other
important info on their Somerville restaurant and all the
other AMERICAN FLATBREAD locations.

(Above) This scene says it all. Whitewater all the way out to the horizon.
Thursday April 4th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) There was nowhere to surf. But we all knew the next day would be the call. Thursday April 4th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

The Haffenreffer family have been helping seacoast families
with their holistic health and optimal wellness for decades.

Welcome Solsticenh.com Melinda is a local NH surfer.
Click on the ad above to visit her site.

Today- THE SPRINGEASTER 4-5-24 Photos by RALPH

(Above) The first clean wave I shot this morning.
Friday April 5th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This slight distraction caught my eye. Check the gallery and larger photo of these gulls. The gull on the left has the prize in it's mouth.
Friday April 5th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Best EAST COAST Coverage on the Internet.

Click on the ad above to find out more about
more about local surf artist Stan Chew's art

Clark Little's new book
Click on the ad for more info.

(Above) These two guys had this wave all to themselves.
Friday April 5th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This? Look closely, that's Mike Stanek getting a last breath before getting pummeled again. He took quite a few on the head, but made up for it by getting many waves. Friday April 5th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on the ad above to see the NEW SURFER'S JOURNAL

DIPG THE CURE STARTS NOW
To learn more about Evan and his journey click here  https://thecurestartsnow.org/sup.../view-heroes/evan-austin/

(Above) The beach erosion is really bad down at the beaches.
Friday April 5th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That's Jon Kiskinis. He was picking of these peaks just to the right of me. Friday April 5th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) There were A-frames up and down the beach.
Friday April 5th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

If you love the Beatles and you love the guitar
click on this ad above for an amazing instrumental
band playing all of your favorite Beatles songs with
the coolest arrangements. Johnny A is one of the
best guitar players on the planet.

Peter Stokes is one of the BEST guitar techs in
all of North America. He's the BEST guitar tech
in New England.

Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page

(Above) This is one of many sequences I shot that morning. Matt Colby getting shacked on Friday April 5th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This guy looks like he's climbing up a rope. But he's not. He's about to get worked. Friday April 5th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page

Produced by Steve Sadler.
Visit our Facebook page

The VINNY Band was around from 1976 to 1984




July 30th, 1979 headlining the Paradise Club
In Boston, MA

(Above) This is Pev. He got some of the best waves of the session.
Friday April 5th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The ever casual Mike Stanek. The epitome of cool.
Friday April 5th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

The art of Donna Baldassari

Hannah Vokey is one of my favorite surf artists.

(Above) Kody Grondin from a short but sweet sequence.
Friday April 5th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) He traveled a long way to get here, but it was worth it. Mike Stanek at Mocha Almonds. Friday April 5th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) There's Johnny Chisel again surfing a lot like JIM.
Friday April 5th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE NOR'EASTER April 4th, 2024
Photos by Tony Berardini




(Above) This one individual paddled out alone on the Nastiest day. He never got outside, and ended up picking off a reform. Don't do that again. Thursday April 4th, 2024. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This? This looks doable. Kind of. One thing's for sure, there's hell to pay out there. Thursday April 4th, 2024.
Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

I love Erica's whimsical Gull art. So cool and unique.

ONLY THE DURHAM STORE IS OPEN.
Due to the massive fire back in August the
Hampton store is closed. We will let you all
know when SECRET SPOT is back in
operation on the seacoast.
Thank you.
Jon Gozzo and family.

Today- THE LEFTOVERS April 6th, 2024
Photos by Dina Crawford



(Above) Colby projecting himself down the line.
Saturday April 6th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Johnny Reynolds ducking under a clean looking lip.
Saturday April 6th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Colby carving his initials into this wave face.
Saturday April 6th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) There were apparently a few clean empties leftover too.
Saturday April 6th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Listen to QWILL on the new video at the top of this page.

Today- THE LAST ROCKY POINT AIR SHOW for Jeff Crawford March 2024 Photos by Jeff Crawford

(Above) This is not for the youngsters. March 2024.
Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) AIRS are for those with bendable knees. March 2024.
Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on this image to visit Driftwood Photography

"GIVE YOUR BUSINESS A KICK IN THE ADS"
Since 1985.

Everybody has a story to tell

(Above) I can honestly say, that in the 61 years that I have been surfing,
I have never intentionally tried to do something like this. March 2024.
Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This looks more like a Space Shuttle Launch. March 2024.
Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This looks a little sketchy. He might not be fully attached to his craft here. March , 2024. Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That's a big turn. March, 2024.
Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Getting an air and flying so far out of the wave and into the channel seems like fun. For kids only.
March, 2024. Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This looks like fun. If I were in my 20's again, I'd be attempting these. March, 2024. Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Today's young competitors NEED to pull these off if you want to be successful on the tour. March, 2024. Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Just make sure your landings are smooth and stable.
March, 2024. Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Send your SURF Pics to me directly to: ralph@adlantic.com.
Need photos by 10 AM on Saturdays. Seriously.
By 10AM. Make sure they are 1300 to 1555 pixels wide.
If you have more than 10 pics please use wetransfer.com it's free up to 2 gig. Please DO NOT send me over 10 pics without first contacting and communicating with me.
Thank you.

Click on Archives link to see all the past Blogs and pics.

My friend Rick McAvoy from Maine is the creator
behind this unique Surf Company

(Above) This is a photo of Southern Maine.
Photo by Jaan Luikmil
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This guy looks familiar. Southern Maine.
Photo by Jaan Luikmil
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

He's more than just a good photographer

(Above) All Rise: The 10th Street District Court Of Surf is Now in Session. The Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. Case # 767 BLATANT DROP IN OF THE WEEK. Click the image above to see the outcome of this Surf Crime and the verdict that was rendered.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the outcome

This is what happens if you are found GUILTY. You become invisible.

Click on this image above to buy this book
and more cool KING'S X merchandise and music

I see waves all week long

I'm picking Friday April 12th, 2024 as the best of the week!

April 7th, 2024

"I'm not a fan of AI. But every now and then they come up with something that's worth sharing. Like this shit show. "

(ABOVE) I look at this and try to count all the potential broken necks.
Photo c/o Google



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